Introduction
Homemade flour tortillas are a delightful addition to any meal. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can create soft, delicious tortillas that are perfect for wrapping around your favorite fillings. This recipe from Love and Lemons provides a straightforward approach to making fresh tortillas in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients
2½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for kneading
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ cup avocado oil, plus more for brushing
¾ cup water, plus more as needed
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
About 30 seconds for each tortilla
Total Time
Approximately 1 hour
Yield
12 tortillas
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the avocado oil and water, mixing with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. If the mixture is too dry, add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it comes together.
2. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 1 minute to form a smooth ball. If the dough feels sticky, incorporate a bit more flour.
3. Divide and Rest:
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, rolling each into a ball. Lightly press down on each ball, brush with oil, and cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let them rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten, making the dough easier to roll out.
4. Shape the Tortillas:
Place a dough ball between two pieces of parchment paper and use a tortilla press to flatten it into a 6 to 7-inch circle. Alternatively, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface using a rolling pin.
5. Cook the Tortillas:
Preheat a dry cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place the flattened dough onto the hot skillet and cook for about 30 seconds on each side, or until browned in spots and cooked through. Adjust the heat if the tortilla browns too quickly.
6. Keep Warm:
Wrap the cooked tortillas in a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm and pliable until ready to serve. Repeat the pressing and cooking process with the remaining dough balls.
Enjoy your homemade flour tortillas!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the avocado oil and water, mixing with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. If the mixture is too dry, add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it comes together.
Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 1 minute to form a smooth ball. If the dough feels sticky, incorporate a bit more flour.
Divide and Rest:
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, rolling each into a ball. Lightly press down on each ball, brush with oil, and cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let them rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten, making the dough easier to roll out.
Shape the Tortillas:
Place a dough ball between two pieces of parchment paper and use a tortilla press to flatten it into a 6 to 7-inch circle. Alternatively, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface using a rolling pin.
Cook the Tortillas:
Preheat a dry cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place the flattened dough onto the hot skillet and cook for about 30 seconds on each side, or until browned in spots and cooked through. Adjust the heat if the tortilla browns too quickly.
Keep Warm:
Wrap the cooked tortillas in a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm and pliable until ready to serve. Repeat the pressing and cooking process with the remaining dough balls.
Notes
Flour Selection:
Use all-purpose flour for best results, but you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a different flavor and texture.
Storage:
Store the cooked tortillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Serving Suggestions:
These tortillas are versatile and can be enjoyed with a variety of fillings such as tacos, quesadillas, or wraps.
Cook Techniques
Preparing the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix in avocado oil and water until a shaggy dough forms. Adjust the water as necessary to achieve the right consistency.
Kneading the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead briefly, about 1 minute, until smooth. Add more flour if the dough feels sticky.
Dividing and Resting
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, rolling each into a ball. Press down lightly, brush with oil, and cover. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
Shaping the Tortillas
Use a tortilla press or a rolling pin to flatten each dough ball between parchment paper into a 6 to 7-inch circle.
Cooking the Tortillas
Preheat a dry cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until browned, adjusting heat as necessary.
Keeping Warm
Wrap the cooked tortillas in a kitchen towel to maintain warmth and pliability until ready to serve.
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may result in a denser tortilla. You may need to adjust the water content.
How do I store leftover tortillas?
Cool the tortillas completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze them for longer storage.
What can I use instead of avocado oil?
You can use other oils like olive oil or vegetable oil as alternatives to avocado oil.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling out.
How do I reheat tortillas?
Reheat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds on each side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Conclusion
Making homemade flour tortillas is a simple and rewarding process that enhances your culinary creations. These tortillas are soft, pliable, and can elevate any dish, from tacos to quesadillas. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy fresh, flavorful tortillas that are far superior to store-bought versions. Experiment with different fillings and toppings, and savor the deliciousness of your homemade creations.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Taco Night
Fill your homemade tortillas with seasoned ground beef, chicken, or beans, and top with fresh salsa, avocado, and cheese for a classic taco night.
Quesadillas
Stuff tortillas with cheese, grilled vegetables, or meats, fold them in half, and cook until the cheese melts. Serve with guacamole and sour cream.
Wraps
Use tortillas as wraps for your favorite deli meats, greens, and spreads for a quick and healthy meal option.
Breakfast Burritos
Fill tortillas with scrambled eggs, sausage, beans, and cheese. Roll them up for a hearty breakfast on the go.
Tortilla Chips
Cut leftover tortillas into triangles, brush with oil, and bake until crispy. Serve with salsa or guacamole for a tasty snack.
Dessert Tacos
For a sweet treat, fill tortillas with cinnamon-sugar dusted fruits and a drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce.
